Philip Babb '14 Recruiting Profile

My name is Phil Babb and I play for the Oklahoma City Blazers of the Western States Hockey League. I have been fortunate to play Juniors level hockey for five years, the first two with the Metropolitan Hockey League and the last three in the Western States Hockey Lease. While in the WSHL and playing hockey, I have grown as a man, a player and a teammate. I take seriously my responsibility as one of the leaders in the locker room.

My dream and my goal is to play college hockey. I have a passion for the game that I developed from my first coaches and instructors, all of whom were part of college and/or Junior hockey.  I love my teammates, the sportsmanship, the competition and developing new techniques – which pushes me to be better each day.  Among other things, I have learned that the ability to work with others to achieve a goal can be – and is – applied to many other areas of life.

I started playing when I was seven.  As a Mite, we won the Haunted Shootout – my first travel team and my first championship; but I learned more when I did not make the next level team as I had expected. A tough lesson for a little kid, but I worked harder and developed the work ethic that I believe will serve me well in college and beyond.

When I am not working on my own skills I am trying to pass along my knowledge to younger goalies so they can pursue their own dreams. I also believe it is important to give back to the many billet families and communities that have welcomed me in. I would like to continue to be an assistant student coach or mentor to help younger players if the opportunity becomes available.

My aim is to major in sports management, exercise science or sports journalism. After my playing career is over, I would like to continue to be involved in the game of hockey, whether my players are travel or recreation level, are Squirts, Juniors or college students. I try to live by the saying, “play for the name on the front, not for the name on the back.”

Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile.